"We followed him from Elmhurst where he worked at a pizza place, and we're here at least once a month. Our date night is Tuesday and we love to spend it here", said Evan and Tracy who sat at the table next to us. They were talking about Mauricio, the owner and chef of Bellavia Ristorante , 1899 Second Street in Highland Park, (847) 681-8300. They drive at least forty- five minutes to get here, since Mauricio first opened three years ago, and they said they would always do so. "It's definitely worth the drive... the food is excellent!"

            I was fortunate to be invited to dine at Bellavia last week. Many people had recommended this restaurant the past few months, so the invitation was welcome. Easily accessed at a popular location in the heart of Highland Park, Bellavia has already won the loyalty of many of the residents as well as of those of the surrounding suburbs. Beautifully decorated with hardwood floors, high- beamed ceilings with suspended wine flasks; white linen clothed tables with baskets of crispy Italian bread, decanters of virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese, Bellavia has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Our waiter, Amir, enthusiastically gave us an account of all the specials. He has worked here for 1 1/2 years and respects this establishment. The specials change often, however some are so popular that people come back again and again asking for them; therefore Mauricio has kept on the specials list for a long time. After a glass of Louis Latour Pinot Noir, we experienced two delicious antipasti; Calamari Ghiotta , calamari cooked in a plum sauce, parsley, capers, onions, and Kalamata olives; Carciofini Alforno, artichokes baked in mozzarella, garlic and olive oil. A delicious cup of minestrone soup followed. "I live on this soup", said Amir. "Everyone that comes here loves this soup, it is very popular." All the entrees come with soup or salad.

            For the main entrees: Homemade Gnocchi , mushroom filled in a pomodoro sauce ($14.95); Risotto Maremonti , succulent risotto with shrimp and clams with spinach and basil ($16.95); Stuffed Melenzana , eggplant filled with seasoned ricotta cheese, topped with tomato sauce ($13.95) and a delectable pasta on the special list, the Rotolo Rossini Primavera , large spiral pasta rolled with ricotta and spinach in a cream sauce of mushrooms and zucchini ($16.95); and Halibut , a very fresh fillet of halibut broiled   first and then sautéed and served on a bed of fresh spinach with diced tomatoes, capers and lemon. Every one of these entrees was excellent. For dessert we had a slice of luscious Tiramisu, made by Mauricio's mother with pride and indeed she should be proud, because this tiramisu dessert is exquisite!

            What makes this restaurant unique, other than the ambrosial dishes, is that Mauricio will tailor to the customer's liking. If you prefer a dish with different sauce he will alter it to your taste. That is why the room was full even on a Tuesday evening. When asked people around us, the comments were favorable. All ages were represented here. A group of four high school girls from Highland Park High School, Taylor, Allie, Sam, and Leslie made the following comments: "A welcoming atmosphere", "never feel rushed- not loud", "really pretty in the summer time with the tables outside." "The pizza is amazing, and the chocolate ice cream... the best!"